We learned about the Alhambra in Architectural History and we’ve been really looking forward to getting over there since then. Problem was, I didn’t realize how many other people felt the same way. It was probably the most crowded architectural site I’ve ever been to. (more than the Taj Mahal, the Colosseum, Statue of Liberty…) So actually touring the site wasn’t as enjoyable as I hoped, but it was beautiful. And HUGE. It’s a walled city on a hill with multiple palaces and gardens.

We did so much in our short 36 hours in Barcelona, mostly by hopping in and out of cabs which were really easy and cheap. Probably the best part of the day was Paella on the beach. I don’t take photos of food but I’m kind of regretting that decision this time. Our big plate of rice, muscles, scallops, shrimp, rabbit, and sausage… perfectly yellow with saffron. And a glass of white wine to wash it down with.

This hospital was not designed by Gaudi, but it shares its whimsy and time period with many of Gaudi’s work. Also, Gaudi died here after getting hit by a tram. The Hospital de la Santa Creu is another example of Catalan civil-Gothic architecture

Casa Mila was designed by Gaudi in 1906 and was full of textures, colors, curves. Loved it. Just wish we could live in an apartment where someone cared to design everything down to the window hardware.

The stank of Fez Tanneries is worth enduring for a glimpse at the leather making process of Morocco. We were harassed by a few different guys trying to get money out of us just to see the tannery, but it was pretty amazing seeing the vats of dye, fresh hides, and over worked donkeys.

Our project of the week was to paint the focal wall behind our (future) couch. The issue was that the couch’s off-white color didn’t pop against the equally boring off-white of the wall behind it so we decided to go crazy with pattern. I think Alex is still wary of all the colors and patterns but I think it’s funnnnn.

Not as cheap of a project as we thought because we had to buy 4 different greens to get the effect as well as lots of blue tape which is stupidly expensive. Think it was worth the cash though!

My handy husband working on our future couch. It’s been sad not having a couch. That means we’ve been sitting on the floor a lot watching tv/eating while watching tv. I think sofas are my favorite piece of furniture so I’m reeeeeaaallly hoping this little project turns out comfortable. I mean it wont be AMAZING since it’s pretty much a glorified bench but with a few throw pillows… maybe. So this gem was practically trash. Alex bought it in Hamilton a while back. We painted it a canvas white and we’re having an awesome velvety cushion made for it. Hope it looks nice. The ladies at the upholstery place didn’t speak the best of English (kind of like anyone living near us) so I’m hoping they understood me… Guess we will find out this week when they finish it!

One of the big reasons I love NYC: The city sees the value of spending money on public art and landscaping.

These showed up yesterday in Madison Square Park. They are made out of painted, knotted rope. Very cool and something I could imagine myself designing if I had thousands of yard of rope laying around. I prefer public art to art in museum for many reasons.

1. The looks on people’s faces as they walk by. Mostly disgust honestly. Sometimes glee as they take out their camera phones and pose in front of it. Art loses its pretentious-ness when average people can respond to it honestly without knowing they spent $25 in museum entrance fees to see it.

2. The ability to touch/photograph/let your dog pee on it and not get yelled at by eager docents. I got yelled at twice at the Guggenheim the other day. It hurts my feelings.

3. How it transforms a mundane experience into something novel. Lets you see your surroundings in a way you haven’t.

So that’s my two cents on the matter. I’m lucky to live in a place with money to put into their parks and even more lucky to have a job right across the street from such a beautiful place.